American Smooth Dances
Waltz
The Waltz is a graceful and flowing dance characterized by its rise and fall motion and smooth, sweeping steps. Danced in ¾ time, it follows a slow-count rhythm of “1-2-3,” with emphasis on the first beat. Waltz is known for its romantic, floating feel and progressive movement across the floor, typically performed to classical or orchestral waltz music with a slow to moderate tempo. It’s ideal for formal events and showcases elegant posture, strong frame, and seamless transitions between open and closed positions.
The Waltz originated in the 18th century from the Austrian folk dance known as the “Ländler.” It gained popularity in Viennese ballrooms and later became a sensation across Europe. Initially considered scandalous due to the close hold between partners, it eventually gained acceptance and became one of the foundational dances in ballroom traditions. The American Smooth style introduced open movements, spins, and theatrical elements, evolving the Waltz into a more expressive and versatile performance form.
Tango
American Tango features sharp, staccato movements paired with dramatic pauses and quick direction changes. Danced in 4/4 time with a rhythm typically counted as “slow, slow, quick quick slow,” it is known for its grounded feel, clipped footwork, and theatrical flair. The dance creates a sense of controlled intensity, often performed to stylized tango music with a steady, pulsing beat. While remaining progressive around the floor, American Tango allows breaks into open hold positions, adding drama and storytelling potential.
The Tango has roots in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the late 1800s. It blended African, European, and local influences into a dance full of passion and tension. As it spread internationally, variations emerged—most notably Argentine, International, and American styles. American Tango evolved with influence from Hollywood films and showdance traditions, making it more open and expressive while maintaining its emotional core.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance known for its long, flowing steps and elegant movement. Danced in 4/4 time, it has two main timing patterns: slow-slow-quick-quick or slow-quick-quick, depending on the style and tempo. Music is typically big band or jazz, featuring a steady rhythm that allows dancers to glide effortlessly. It requires precise footwork, strong body control, and the ability to travel around the floor with grace and poise.
Developed in the United States in the early 1900s, Foxtrot is named after vaudeville performer Harry Fox. It became wildly popular in the ballroom scene as it suited the ragtime and swing music of the era. Initially more casual, it evolved into a refined, formal dance as it entered competitive circles. The American Smooth version permits open movements and personal flair, giving dancers freedom to express through dramatic lines and transitions.
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a fast-paced, rotational dance characterized by continuous turns and sweeping movements. It’s danced in ¾ time like the slower Waltz, but with a quick tempo—typically around 180 beats per minute. The rhythm is evenly timed as “1-2-3,” creating a whirlwind effect as couples rotate around the dance floor. It’s danced to classical waltz music with rich, elegant phrasing, demanding endurance, balance, and coordination.
This dance dates back to 18th-century Vienna, where it emerged from faster folk dances. It became the height of fashion in Austrian court balls and was considered daring at the time for its close hold. The dance evolved over the centuries into a refined classic, with the American Smooth style incorporating open movements and underarm turns for more visual variety and performance appeal.
American Rhythm Dances
Cha Cha
Cha Cha is a lively and flirtatious dance marked by its syncopated rhythm and playful energy. Danced in 4/4 time, its timing is typically “2-3, 4&1,” creating a cha-cha-cha rhythm that gives the dance its name. The sharp, staccato steps are complemented by hip action and expressive arm styling. It’s commonly danced to Latin pop, Cuban music, or contemporary remixes with a strong backbeat.
Cha Cha originated in Cuba in the early 1950s, evolving from the mambo and danzón. The triple step was introduced to create a distinct rhythm, and it quickly became a popular dance in social clubs. After reaching the United States, it was standardized into ballroom syllabi and gained a vibrant presence in competitions and casual dance scenes alike.
Rumba
Rumba is a romantic and sensual dance focused on rhythm, controlled movement, and emotional expression. Danced in 4/4 time, the rhythm is slow-quick-quick (counted as 2,3,4-1), with an emphasis on hip action and body isolation. It’s danced to Latin ballads or smooth, rhythmic music with romantic overtones. The movements are compact and smooth, highlighting the connection between partners.
Originating from Afro-Cuban rhythms and dances, the ballroom Rumba was developed and adapted in the early 20th century for American audiences. While Cuban Rumba is more folkloric and percussion-driven, the ballroom version emphasizes slower, more deliberate motion. It became known as the “dance of love” for its expressive, intimate style.
East Coast Swing – (We are leaving this one out of classes for now.)
East Coast Swing is an upbeat, bounce-filled dance with a joyful and energetic vibe. Danced in 4/4 time, it uses a triple-step rhythm: “triple step, triple step, rock step.” The movements are rhythmic and compact, allowing for a wide variety of spins, turns, and playful styling. It’s danced to swing, rock and roll, and blues, making it versatile and approachable for social dancing.
This style evolved from the Lindy Hop in the 1940s as dance studios looked to simplify the swing experience for newcomers. Influenced by the big band era and rockabilly culture, East Coast Swing became a staple in American ballrooms and dance halls. Its accessible footwork and versatility have made it a beloved entry point into the world of swing.
Bolero
Bolero is a slow, lyrical dance blending elements of both smooth and Latin styles. Danced in 4/4 time with a slow-quick-quick rhythm, it emphasizes rise and fall, body shaping, and continuous motion. It’s performed to romantic ballads with a Latin flair, creating a sensual and flowing quality distinct from the sharper, rhythm-based Latin dances.
Its origins trace back to Spanish and Cuban folk traditions. The ballroom version emerged in the United States as instructors and choreographers adapted its slower, more dramatic qualities for competition and performance. Bolero now stands as the slowest and most expressive dance in the American Rhythm category, known for its emotional depth and beautiful lines.
Mambo
Mambo is a bold, rhythmic dance driven by syncopated beats and high energy. It’s danced in 4/4 time on the “2” beat—counted as 2,3,4-1—emphasizing quick foot changes and strong hip action. Movements are sharp and expressive, often incorporating rhythmic body isolations. It’s danced to traditional and contemporary Latin music with a driving tempo and a strong percussion base.
The Mambo was born in Cuba in the 1930s from the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz influences. It became a dance craze in the United States during the 1940s and 50s, popularized by iconic clubs like the Palladium in New York City. American ballroom versions streamlined the complex timing and brought it to a broader audience, influencing later dances like the Cha Cha and Salsa.
Use this link to view playlists for examples of the basic steps in all dances except Mambo:
https://www.youtube.com/@SwayBallroomDance/playlists
You only need to look at the the first 1-4 patterns for now.